EAGAN, Minn. — It was a beautiful setting — some might say a little warm — for the first practice of 2025 Vikings Training Camp attended by fans.
The Vikings celebrated Back Together Saturday presented by The Salvation Army, which hosted its Down for the Challenge fundraiser at nearby Omni Viking Lakes, by starting things off with a SKOL Chant led by Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter and current offensive linemen.
Players wore shells for the second consecutive day and resumed a fast pace after using much of Friday's time on the grass to focus on details at a slower speed. They'll have Sunday off before strapping up the pads for the first time Monday.
The day also included announcing a contract extension with Joshua Metellus that goes through the 2028 season. Metellus participated in the team walk-through but is dealing with a minor ankle injury.
Justin Jefferson is sidelined while dealing with a "very minor hamstring strain" (more details here) but he kept a football close by and took in a few moments alongside Head Coach Kevin O'Connell.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. McCarthy with a couple of deep shots
The biggest, boldest highlight of the day likely to reverberate across the web will be J.J. McCarthy's deep toss to Jordan Addison for a 60-yard touchdown. (McCarthy and Addison also combined for a 60-yarder on Wednesday to open camp in the Indoor Practice Facility, by the way.)
An aspect of the play that might go unnoticed is that second-year outside linebacker Dallas Turner put on a nice rush, but tight end T.J. Hockenson responded with a good block that was enough to allow McCarthy to let it rip.
McCarthy also had nice zip on passes to Jalen Nailor and Hockenson earlier in the day.
One other play that should be mentioned occurred during 11-on-11 with the first-team offense going against the first-team defense.
A defensive lineman jumped offsides right before the snap, and McCarthy and Nailor alertly knew it was worth taking a deep shot. McCarthy delivered a good ball, but Byron Murphy, Jr., also maintained his alertness on the play and broke up at the catch point.
2. In the red zone
The Vikings spent a good bit of time in the lower red zone, continuing Friday's work in an important but condensed area of the field. Minnesota participated in in 7-on-7 and team periods where minute details matter.
McCarthy hit Hockenson for a touchdown, and Minnesota's backup QBs also connected with teammates in the paint.
Sam Howell completed a pass at the goal line to Jeshaun Jones and another in the end zone to Tim Jones.
Max Brosmer connected with fellow undrafted rookie free agent Ben Yurosek for a score, and Brett Rypien threw touchdowns to Thayer Thomas and tight end Bryson Nesbit.
3. First field goals of camp
The Vikings closed practice with the first field goals of camp.
Will Reichard was good from 33 yards (the same distance as an extra point) to open the session and followed with makes of 41 from the right hash and 45 from the left hash.
After a kick from 48 yards on the left hash flew wide left, Reichard responded with makes of 50 and 54 from the right hash to end the period.
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